HISTHISTHISTHISTHISTORORORORORY AND CIVICSY AND CIVICSY AND CIVICSY AND CIVICSY AND CIVICSMATRICULATION

STANDARD

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Untouchability is a SinUntouchability is a CrimeUntouchability is Inhuman

TAMILNADUTEXTBOOK CORPORATIONCollege Road, Chennai - 600 006.

Government of TamilnaduFirst Edition - 2005

CHAIRPERSON

Sr. MARY ZACHARIAPrincipal,

Rosary M.H.S.S.Santhome, Chennai - 4

This book has been prepared by The Directorate of School Educationon behalf of the Government of Tamilnadu

This book has been printed on 60 G.S.M. paper

AUTHORS

Smt. UMA MAHESWARIVice Principal (Retd)

Anna Adarsh M.H.S.S.Anna Nagar, Chennai - 40

Smt. SALY VERGHESEC.S.I. Ewart M.H.S.S.

Chennai - 84

REVIEWERS

Smt. BALA THYAGARAJANH.O.D., Social Studies (Retd)

St. Michaels M.H.S.S.Adyar, Chennai - 20

Smt. LATHA PREMKUMARC.S.I. Jessie Moses M.H.S.S.

Anna Nagar, Chennai - 40

iii

PREFACE

History is one of the most fascinating subjects taught in the schoolcurriculum. It is not a lifeless summary of past events but an inspiring recordof humanitys achievements.

The teachers of History have to inspire patriotism in the minds of pupilsand create an eagerness to acquire a wealth of knowledge through the studyof history. They have to train the young minds to have a cosmopolitan outlookthrough a study of the intellectual growth and development of humanitysince ancient times. Once the importance of the subject is implanted in theformative minds of the pupils, they will vividly look forward to Historyclasses.

We have taken utmost care to prepare the lessons according to the latestrevised syllabus of the Matriculation Board for class X in the subject Historyand Civics. Great effort has been made to present the matter in a simple andlucid style. The maps, pictures and suggested activities would further enliventhe pupils. Since most of the students know how to use the computer aslearning aid, we have given internet site URLs to aid the children to knowmore.

- Authors

iv

vCONTENTS

HISTORY

UNIT I IMPERIALISM

1. Imperialism 12. Imperialism in Asia and Africa 7

UNIT II FIRST WORLD WAR

3. The First World War (1914 - 1918) 21

UNIT III WORLD BETWEEN THE WARS

4. (A) Russian Revolution 35(B) Fascism and Nazism 40(C) The Great Economic Depression 43

UNIT IV SECOND WORLD WAR

5. The Second World War (1939 - 1945) 52

UNIT V WORLD AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR

6. Cold War 657. Struggle for Independence in Asia & Africa 74

UNIT VI STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM

8. The Great Revolt of 1857 819. Freedom Struggle 92

UNIT VII THE WORLD TODAY

10. European Union 11811. Breakup of Soviet Union 12512. Reunification of Germany 13213. Israel and Palestine Conflict 13714. Strategic Arms Limitation Talks 14615. Developments in Science and Technology in India 151

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CIVICS

UNIT I INDIAN CONSTITUTION

1. The Union Executive 1632. The Union Legislature 1743. The Union Judiciary 184

UNIT II CHALLENGES FACING OUR COUNTRY

4. Challenges Facing Our Country 1905. Law and Social Change 197

UNIT III INDIAN DEMOCRACY AT WORK

6. Democracy 203

UNIT IV INDIA AND WORLD PEACE

7. Indias Foreign Policy 211

1HISTHISTHISTHISTHISTORORORORORYYYYY

UNIT I IMPERIALISMUNIT I IMPERIALISMUNIT I IMPERIALISMUNIT I IMPERIALISMUNIT I IMPERIALISM

CHAPTER 1

IMPERIALISM

MEANINGThe term Imperialism denotes control or rule by a country over the

political and economic life of another country, outside its borders. It meansextending a countrys powers over another country through military or othermeans. The policy adopted by the European countries from 1492 to 1763 isknown as Colonialism. During this period England, France, Spain, andPortugal established colonies in the Asian and American continents. From1763 to 1870 the European countries were involved in a number of warsand unification movements. After 1870 all the European countries includingGermany, Italy and Belgium began to establish their political and economicpowers in Africa and Asia. This policy of imperialism followed by Europeancountries from 1870 to 1945 is known as New Imperialism. USA and Japanalso joined the race, adopting the imperialist policy.

POLITICAL IMPERIALISMPolitical imperialism refers to building of an empire under a powerful

power, through conquest of other countries by military force. Thus a country,which is militarily, politically and economically powerful, conquers a lesspowerful, weaker country. It annexes the weaker one and makes it a colony.Political control is then established upon her colony by the mother country,which attempts to impose her political ideologies and institutions upon it.An outstanding example of this kind of imperialism is the British imperialismin India.

The Industrial Revolution led to economic imperialism orneo-imperialism. In this case, the industrially advanced countrieseconomically exploited the regions that were rich in raw materials. Theseregions were also used as markets for their finished products and for

2investment of surplus capital. This kind of economic imperialism was imposedby England, France, Italy, Germany, and the U.S.A. upon China. ThoughChina was politically independent and sovereign under the Manchu rule, itwas economically dominated by these European and American countries.

CAUSES FOR THE RISE OF IMPERIALISMVarious causes which contributed to the rise of Imperialism, are given

below.

a) The Economic causesThe foremost were the economic factors. The Industrial Revolution

created a great need for raw materials. Asia and Africa seemed to containmost of the raw materials such as rubber, tin, petroleum, cotton, silk,vegetable oils and rare minerals.

Owing to the Industrial Revolution, Great Britain, Germany and otherEuropean nations, began to produce surplus goods for which they requiredmarkets abroad. Asia as well as Africa served this purpose well.

There was excessive surplus capital in the industrialized countries,which was invested in foreign lands. Political control over these lands wouldthus act as a guarantee of security of their investments.

The Industrial Revolution introduced great progress in the means oftransport and communication. Ocean liners could carry heavy articles likemanganese ore from any part of the world. The telegraph linked the wholeworld and reduced great distances. The development of railways speededthe movement of goods between colonies and the mother country.

Some parts of Africa and the Far East served as valuable naval basesand ports of call, for trade, commerce and investment.

b) The Political causesThe activities of political groups and intellectuals, who desired to ensure

national security and self-sufficiency, instigated colonial imperialism. Often,Presidents or Prime Ministers worked towards colonial imperialism owingto the influence of business or some other interest.

Some stress that states are motivated to expand primarily by the desirefor power, prestige, security, and diplomatic advantages. Late 19th-centuryFrench imperialism was intended to restore Frances international prestige

3after its humiliating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. Similarly, Sovietexpansion into Eastern Europe after 1945 can be understood in terms ofsecurity needs, specifically the need to protect the nation from anotherinvasion across its western border.

c) Ideological or Moral causesA third set of explanations focuses on ideological or moral motives.

According to this perspective, political, cultural, or religious beliefs, forcestates into imperialism as a missionary activity. There was an inner urgeto spread Christianity among Christian European nations. Both Catholicand Protestant missionaries went to the colonies to convert non-believersinto Christians. Britains colonial empire was motivated at least in part bythe idea that it was the white mans burden to civilize backward people.Germanys expansion under Hitler was based in large measure on a beliefin the inherent superiority of German national culture. The desire of theU.S. to protect the free world and of the former Soviet Union to liberatethe people of Eastern Europe and the Third World are also examples ofimperialism driven by moral and ideological concerns.

A strong motive for imperialism was the spirit of national pride andprestige. The British Empire had set the precedent that it was essential tohave colonies in order to become a world power. Hence both Germany andItaly entered the colonial race.

d) Reactive Motive or Neo ImperialismThe activities of explorers and adventurers like De Brazza in Equatorial

Africa, and the German Karl Peters in East Africa, helped to promote thenew wave of imperialism. They explored the interior of the continents andpaved the way for traders and soldiers to exploit the abundant wealth of thecountries.

The expansion of population also contributed to the spread ofimperialism. This was further aided by the periodical recurrence ofunemployment, which compelled millions of Europeans to emigrate, insearch of new homes and careers abroad.

There was international anarchy. Every nation was free to do what itpleased, because of the lack of any international machinery to enact lawsfor nations and force them to respect such laws. This state of affairsencouraged the colonial race.

4Finally, some explanations of imperialism focus not on the motives ofpowerful states but rather on the political circumstances in weaker states.The British conquest of India and the Russian colonization of Central Asiain the 19th century are classic examples of reactive imperialism.

Thus various factors and forces were working towards the spread ofimperialism in different countries.

FORMS AND TECHNIQUES OF IMPERIALISMSeveral forms and techniques were adopted by modern imperialism in

order to establish itself.1. Conquest and Annexation

In the early modern times, the Spaniards, the Frenchmen and the Britishused to send soldiers to distant lands. They overpowered the native chiefs,annexed the conquered lands and made them a colony. Outright conquestand annexation proved to be expensive and burdensome.2. Leasehold

When the exclusive right to exploit some economic resources wasaccompanied with the grant of lease of a stretch of territory and the actualexercise of political control over it, it was called a leasehold. For examplethe German Empire acquired such leasehold of ninety-nine years over apart of the Shantung Peninsula in China.3. Sphere of Influence and Sphere of Interest

When a state acquires an exclusive or even a preferential right to exploitand develop a backward region economically, and claims that other stateshave no right or claim to establish any form of control over it, it was calledthe Sphere of influence. This was the method adopted in China, by theEuropean countries.4. Protectorate

Protectorate means an indirect exercise of political control by a powerfulnation, over a weak and backward region through a native puppet ruler. Forexample in 1912, France established a protectorate over Morocco.5. Financial or Tariff Control

Economic imperialism could assume the form of financial or tariffcontrol. Thus, the powerful nation could take over the complete charge of

5the finances of a weak and backward region, or its tariff system. BeforeWorld War I, the Turkish finances were actually run by the Ottoman PublicDebt Administration, an organization composed of mainly European officials.

6. The Mandate System

This was the last form of the new imperialism. It emerged at theParis Peace Conference, at the suggestion of General Jan Smut of SouthAfrica. Most of the former colonies and other weak and backward regionswere assigned to the League of Nations. The League delegated itsauthority, subject to some restrictions, to various states as its agents ormandatories.

EXERCISES

PART AI. Choose the correct answer and complete each statement:

1. China was politically independent under the ________ rule.a) British b) Manchu c) French

2. The German Empire leased part of Shantung Peninsula in China for_______ years.a) 100 b) 99 c) 97

3. France established a proctectorate over Morocco in ______ .a) 1920 b) 1917 c) 1912

4. After 1870 all the European nations started to establish their politicalpowers in _______ .a) America and Asia b) South Africa and Asiac) Africa and Asia

5. The Eurpean countries adopted _______ method in China.a) Mandatories b) Spheres of Influence c) colonialism

II. Answer the following each in a word or phrase:1. What did Industrial Revolution lead to?2. What need was created by the Industrial revolution?3. Which two countries seemed to contain most of the raw materials?4. What was the inner urge among the European nations?5. When did the Mandate system emerge?

6III. Match the following:1. Karl Peters a) 1492 17632. De Brazza b) 1870-19453. Gen.Jan Smut c) Equatorial Africa4. New Imperialism d) East Africa5. Colonialism e) Mandatory system.

PART - BIV. Answer all the questions given under each caption:

1. Political Imperialisma) What is Political imperialism?b) Give an example for this type of imperialism.c) Why did the industrially advanced countries exploit these regions?d) Which countries imposed economic imperialism?e) Who dominated China?

2. Reactive Motive or Neo Imperialisma) Who were the adventures and explorers to promote new wave of

imperialism?b) What did the exploration of the adventurers pave the way for?c) What also contributed to the spread of imperialism?d) Why did millions of Europeans emigrate?e) Give examples of reactive imperialism.

3. Forms and techniques of Imperialisma) In the early modern times which countries sent the soldiers to distant lands?b) What is a leasehold?c) What is a Sphere of Influence?d) What is meant by Protectorate?e) Who was actually running the Turkish finances?

PART CV. Answer the following each in not more than 2 pages:

1. Discuss the causes of Imperialism.2. What were the several forms and techniques adopted by modern

imperialism?

ACTIVITY

1. Visit the URL given below to learn more about Imperialism.http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1902hobson.html.

7CHAPTER 2

IMPERIALISM IN ASIA AND AFRICA

The European countries were importing spices, silk, muslin, ivory etc.from Asian countries. The demand for these products increased and Europeancountries wanted to ensure regular supply of these goods. So takingadvantage of the chaotic conditions in Asian countries, England, France,Portugal and Holland tried to establish their colonies in Asia.

IMPERIALISM IN INDIA

The English East India Company was formed in 1600. It obtainedpermission from the Mughal Emperor Jahangir to trade in India. The FrenchEast India company was established in1664 by Colbert, a minister of LouisXIV. There was a power strugglebetween these two companies whichresulted in the Carnatic Wars inDeccan.After the battles of Plassey andBuxar, Bengal came under the rule ofthe English. The French East Indiacompany was ousted from India by1763. Taking advantage of the rivalryof the native rulers, the Englishacquired more and more territories inIndia. Lord Wellesley by his SubsidiaryAlliance and Lord Dalhousie by hisDoctrine of Lapse acquired manyplaces in India. In 1857 the Indiansrevolted against the English East Indiacompanys rule. But this revolt wascrushed and the East India Companys rule ended. The British Crown tookover the administration of the territories.This was effected by QueenVictorias Proclamation. India continued under the British rule till herindependence in 1947.

Fig. 2.1 Colbert

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9IMPERIALISM IN CHINAChinese Civilization is one of the oldest in the world. China consisted

of five regions - China Proper, Manchuria, Mongolia, Sinkiang and Tibet.Different empires rose and fell but it had a stable society and continuoushistory. In 1644, the Manchu kings, who belonged to Manchuria, conqueredChina and continued to rule China till 1912. They created a strong militaryorganization.

Attitude of the Chinese towards the ForeignersChinese did not have close contact with the outside world. So they

considered themselves the most civilized and most superior to the Europeans.Chinese considered trade an inferior occupation and traders were lookeddown upon with contempt. The other Asian invaders adopted the Chinesecustoms, while the Europeans refused to adopt Chinese customs. So theEuropeans were not favoured by the Chinese. The Jesuits were the first toreach China to preach Christianity. The Portuguese reached China in 1516to establish trade. Later the Dutch, English, Americans and other Europeanpowers reached China. Since the Chinese illtreated the foreigners, therewere conflicts between them. So trade was restricted to the city of Cantonfrom 1757 by the Chinese emperor.

Conflicts between the Chinese and the ForeignersThe European powers felt that they were not allowed to trade freely.

The Chinese felt that the Europeans smuggled opium into China anddisturbed the peace of the country. This led to further conflicts. The Englishwere the main traders with Chinese and they decided to resort to war tosettle the issue. In 1840 the well known First Opium War or Anglo ChineseWar started between the English and the Chinese. The Chinese had neitheran organized army nor a strong navy. So they were easily defeated. By theTreaty of Nanking, China gave the island of Hongkong and a war indemnityto Britain. She also opened five ports for the English trade. The otherEuropean powers followed suit and got more concessions from China. TheSecond Opium War in which also China was defeated in 1856, forced Chinato legalise import of opium and open more ports.

Taiping and Boxer RebellionsThe Chinese rose in rebellion against the Manchu kings as well as the

foreigners in 1854, to take revenge for their defeat. This is known as Taiping

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Rebellion. But this was quickly suppressed. But the Manchu ruledeteriorated. When China was defeated byJapan in Sino Japanese war in 1894, Chinagave the island of Formosa to Japan.Empress Tzu-Hsi who was known as OldBuddha, decided to avert the public wrathagainst her by inciting the youth to rebelagainst the foreign powers in 1899. This isknown as Boxer Rebellion. The youthattacked European settlements andChristian missionaries. The combinedarmy of the foreign powers defeated theBoxers and marched to Peking, the capital.Empress Tzu Hsi fled the capital. TheUnited States of America and Englandformulated the Open Door Policy. TheChinese territories were partitioned amongthe foreign powers for trade rights. ThusChina became an international colony. Thispartitioning of China into different trade zones is called Cutting of theChinese Melon.

IMPERIALISM OF JAPANShogunate Rule and Discontent of People

Till the Second World War Japan did not come under the control of anyforeign power. Japan was ruled by Shoguns or military rulers. They closedJapan for the entry of any foreign power. In the later years the Shogunaterulers became weak and their rule deteriorated slowly. They taxed thepeasants heavily and farmers were discontented.Opening of Ports and Meiji Restoration

Many attempts were made by foreign powers to open trade with Japan.Especially the United States of America was interested in opening tradeports in Japan. The long journey across the Pacific was difficult. They wantedto break journey at the Japanese ports and take supplies. In 1853 an Americanfleet came to Japan with a letter from the American President. But Japanrefused to allow them to enter the port. In 1854, Commodore MathewC. Perry arrived at Tokyo Bay with a large fleet and threatened to destroy

Fig. 2.2 CIXI (Tzu-Hsi)

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the port. The Shoguns agreed to open two ports. Soon other Europeanpowers, England, Russia, and Netherlands also made treaties with Shoguns.

This opening of ports to foreign powers made Shoguns unpopular. Thepeople rose in rebellion against both Shoguns and foreigners. This agitationled to the fall of Shogunate empire. Mikado(emperor) was restored to fullpower. This is called Meiji Restoration. Thus the dual rule of Shoguns anddummy kings was abolished. Tokugawa Shogunate, the last Shogunate wasabolished in 1868.The Mikado who was restored to power was Mutsuhito.His reign from 1868 to 1912 is known as Meiji Era or EnlightenedGovernment.

During this era, Japan forged ahead in all respects. It adopted westerncivilization and became an industrial nation. She started on the policy ofexpansion for her increasing production. The Korean kings recognized thesuzerainity of China. They also used to send missions to Japan with giftsfor Japanese kings. Japan feared that Russia would establish its rule overKorea taking advantage of Chinas weakness. So in 1894 Japan thrust atreaty on Korea declaring it to be an independent country. It also sent aforce to reform Korea. Korea protested and asked China for help. So Japanattacked Korea and defeated the Chinese army on land as well as on sea.China conceded defeat and concluded the Treaty of Shimonoseki by whichshe gave Formosa to Japan and paid a huge war indemnity.

Russia taking advantage of this, advanced into Manchuria. Russia alsogot Port Arthur from China which was given back by Japan. So Japan washaving a grudge against Russia. Russia constructed a railway line fromMoscow to Port Arthur. So Japan declared war against Russia in 1905. Thestrange fact was that the Russo Japanese war was fought on the Chinesesoil. A Japanese fleet led by Admiral Togo destroyed a Russian fleet of 45ships. President Theodore Roosevelt of America mediated and the Treatyof Portsmouth was signed between Russia and Japan. Japan got the LiaotungPeninsula, Port Arthur and parts of Sakalin Island. Later Japan conqueredKorea also.

After this victory Japan became a world power and was called the Britainof the east. Japan embarked on a policy of imperialist conquests.

IMPERIALISM IN AFRICASeveral European explorers inaugurated the European penetration into

the Dark Continent. The most prominent among them were:

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1. David Livingstone, a Scottish physician, who went to Africa in 1840,as a Protestant missionary.

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2. Henry Stanley an Anglo-American journalist who went in search ofDavid Livingstone.

3. Karl Peters, a German student of British colonial activities.4. An Englishman Cecil Rhodes, an outstanding African Empire-builder.

Further, Baker, Burton, Grant and Speke explored the courses of thefour great rivers the Nile, the Niger, the Congo and the Zambezi. Henry

Stanley also described these explorations in his books: How I foundLivingstone, Through the Dark Continent and In Darkest Africa.

King Leopold II of Belgium organized in 1878, a private commercialcompany, under the name the International Africa (Congo) Association. Hewas the president and the chief stockholder. The purpose of the purchase ofCongo land was for the exploitation of rubber resources. The king then securedinternational sanction, at the Berlin conference (1884-1885) for transformingthe Companys lands into the Congo Free State, with himself as its personalsovereign. He earned great profits in this undertaking. By 1908, thegovernment of Belgium took over the Congo Free State as a Belgian colony,on payment of liberal financial compensation to Leopold II.

Many European nations such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, France andGermany entered a race to acquire lands in Africa, owing to its valuableresources.

Fig. 2.3 David Livingstone Fig. 2.4 Cecil Rhodes

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1. Portugal established its hold over the province of Angola, to the Southof the Belgian Congo. It also founded the colony of Mozambique, whichcame to be known as Portuguese East Africa.

2. Spain acquired Morocco, the Canary Island, islands on the Guinea Coast,Rio Muni, and Rio de Oro.

3. In 1889, Italy acquired the small territories of Eritrea and Somaliland,on the East Coast of Africa. It also acquired Tripoli (capital of Libiya)and Cyrenaica, by defeating Turkey in 1911-1912.

4. France established a protectorate over Tunis in 1881 as well as overMorocco. On the West Coast of Africa, Senegal was already under thecontrol of France. It conquered Upper Nigeria in 1882 and in 1896, sheacquired the island of Madagascar. The French also carved out a bigstate in the Congo Valley, under the name - the French Congo.

5. England acquired the Cape Colony in South Africa. In 1875, Disraeli,the Prime Minister of England purchased 176,000 shares of the SuezCanal Company from Ismail Pasha of Egypt, with the idea of securingdominant control over the hundred-mile long Suez Canal. Englandestablished a protectorate over Egypt.

6. In 1884, Karl Peters of Germany acquired Eastern African lands, whichtook the shape of Africa, lying between British Uganda and BritishRhodesia. The Germans established two other protectorates, namely(a) Cameroons on the South of the Congo and (b) Togoland.

The Boer Wars in South AfricaThe Boers opposed the British rule in the Cape Colony, especially after

1833, when the British government made slavery illegal in the Cape Colony.This forced the Boers to emigrate from the Cape Colony. Piet Retief and hisfollowers established the Republic of Natalia. In May 1842, British forcesinvaded the Republic of Natalia and converted it into a British colony. FromNatal, many Boers again trekked northwards to the Orange River, wherethey established two states, namely Transvaal and the Orange Free State,respectively. However, as a result of the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), bothTransvaal and the Orange Free State became British colonies. In 1909, allthe British colonies of South Africa joined together to form the South AfricanUnion. Louis Botha was the first premier of South African Union.

British colonialists under the leadership of Cecil Rhodes acquired three

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British protectorates namely Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland. By1888 they founded British, East Africa and by 1894, they took Uganda.Nigeria was acquired by the Royal Niger Company between 1886 and 1889.

Thus in the span of forty years, the whole of the Dark Continent (exceptEthiopia and Liberia) was divided between the European powers.Significance and Consequences of Imperialism

There were far-reaching effects of imperialism in several respects:

1. Formation of Military AlliancesOwing to a simultaneous colonial expansion of western powers into

Asia and Africa, there were frequent colonial collisions all over Asia andAfrica. The major collisions were five:i) between Great Britain and France, over Egypt and Sudanii) between Great Britain and Germany, over South Africaiii) between Great Britain and Russia, over Persiaiv) between Russia and Japan, over Chinav) between Germany and France, over Morocco.

This led to the formation of political and military alliances and counteralliances, which ultimately brought about World War I (1914-1918).

2. WesternisationAn important result of Imperialism was that Asia and Africa got

westernized.The process of Europeanization in language, culture and civilizationbegan in the 16th century. In India, the British introduced western educationand English medium, from the primary schools to the University level.a) remodelled Indian political and administrative institutions according

to the English pattern;b) industrialized India by building railways, stringing telegraph wires and

setting up factories, mills and workshops;c) introduced western customs and ideas to the Indians.

The Africans also obtained the fruits of Western Civilization.

3. Loss of CultureHowever, the imperialists reduced the colonies to poverty and social

degradation. They became masters in their colonies. The natives weretransformed into servants and slaves.

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Some of the African and Asian nations could not stand the attack of theEuropean imperialists. They were wiped out of existence and their landswere occupied by the Imperialist powers.

Owing to the process of Europeanization, some of the colonies losttheir culture and civilization. They became Europeanized and lost theiridentity as a nation.

4. Loss of Freedom

Many African and Asian countries lost their political freedom dueto imperialist conquests. They were suppressed and exploited and losttheir freedom of speech and action. They became virtually slaves to themasters.

5. Economic Backwardness

The most important and lasting consequence was the economicbackwardness of the colonies. The natural resources of the colonies cameunder the control of the imperialist countries and they were exploited bythem for their industries. They were the suppliers of raw materials and marketfor finished goods. Their surplus production was sold to the colonies at acheaper price. This led to the destruction of their indigenous industries.Their cottage industries were destroyed by the mill goods. Their traditionaleconomy was destroyed and in its place a super efficient industrializedeconomy emerged. The need for raw materials led to production of cashcrops instead of food crops. This led to the impoverishment of the colonies.The European imperialists like the Belgians, the British, the French, thePortuguese, the Dutch, the Japanese and the European imperialists in China,exploited their colonies economically, commercially, industrially, sociallyand politically. The economic underdevelopment and impoverishment ofmany of the countries of the world are mainly due to the imperialistconquests.

6. Racial Discrimination

The idea of superiority of the white race was held in colonies anddiscrimination against the local population started. The worst principle ofracial segregation, was popularized by the conquerors.

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EXERCISES

PART AI. Choose the Correct answer and complete each statement:

1. The Mughal Emperor ________ gave permission for the English to tradein India.a) Aurangazeb b) Jahangir c) Shahjahan

2. The French East India company was established in ________.a) 1664 b) 1764 c) 1674

3. The Manchu kings conquered China in ________.a) 1634 b) 1644 c) 1654

4. In 1516, the ________ reached China and established trading posts.a) Spanish b) Portuguese c) Dutch

5. In ________ an American fleet came to Japan, with a letter from theAmerican President.a) 1853 b) 1843 c) 1833

6. As a Protestant missionary ________ went to Africa.a) Karl Peters b) David Livingstone c) Henry Stanley

7. Portugal established its hold over the province of ________ .a) Congo b) Tunis c) Angola

8. Spain acquired ________.a) Morocco b) Eritrea c) Tunis

9. In 1875, ________ purchased 176,000 shares of the Suez Canal Company.a) Ismail Pasha b) Disraeli c) Churchil

10.The French acquired the Island of ________ in 1896.a) Mozambique b) Canary Island c) Madagaskar

II. Answer the Following each in a word or phrase:1. Who established the French East India Company?2. Name the system introduced by Lord Wellesley?3. Who were the first to reach China?4. To which city was the trade restricted by the Chinese emperor?5. By which war was China forced to legalise the import of opium?6. Name the last Shogunate which was abolished?7. Name the period between 1868-1912 in Japan?8. How was Japan known after the Russo Japanese war?9. How was Africa known as to the European explorers?

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10.Who wrote the book, Through the Dark Continent?11.After which war did Transvaal and Orange Free State become British colonies?12.Who was the first premier of South African Union?13.Who led the British colonialists in South Africa?14.When was East Africa founded?15.When did the British acquire Uganda?

III. Match the following:1. a) Treaty of Nanking Old Buddha

b) Treaty of Shimonoseki Meiji Erac) Treaty of Portsmouth First Opium ward) Tzu Hsi Sino Japanese ware) Mutsuhito Russo Japanese war

2. a) David Livingstone President of South African Unionb) Henry Stanley German Studentc) Cecil Rhodes Protestant Missionaryd) Karl Peters Journaliste) Louis Botha Empire builder

PART BIV. Answer all the questions given under each caption:

1. Imperialism in Indiaa) When was East India company formed?b) Who established the French East India company?c) Why were the Carnatic wars fought?d) How was Bengal acquired by English East India company?e) What were the two policies adopted by Lord Wellesley and Dalhousie?

2. Imperialism in Chinaa) Why did the Chinese consider themselves superior?b) Which occupation was considered inferior by the Chinese?c) Name the island given to the British by the Treaty of Nanking?d) Which island was given to Japan by China?e) What were the two rebellions against the Manchus and foreigners?

3. Imperialism in Japana) Why were the farmers discontented?b) Who arrived with a big fleet at Tokyo Bay in 1854?c) Why did Japan thrust a treaty on Korea?d) Why Japan declared war on Russia?e) Who defeated the Russian fleet?

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4. Meiji Restorationa) Why did the Shoguns become unpopular?b) What was the reaction of the people?c) What was the result?d) What do you understand by the term Meiji Restoration?e) Write about the Meiji Era.

5. Europeans in Africaa) Name the colony founded by Portugal.b) Which places were acquired by Spain?c) Which places were lost by Turkey to Italy?d) Name the places acquired by France in 1882 and 1896.e) Who established protectorate over Egypt?

6. The Boer Wars in South Africaa) What forced the Boers to emigrate from Cape Colony?b) Who established the Republic of Natalias?c) When and by whom was Nigeria acquired?d) Name the states established by the Boers.e) What were the three British protectorates acquired by Cecil Rhodes?

PART - CV. Answer each the following in not more than 2 pages:

1. How did China become an international colony?2. What was Meiji Restoration? Why was Japan called the Britain of the

East?3. Give an account of the colonization of Africa by different European

countries.4. What were the consequences of Imperialism?

PART DVI. i) Mark on the map of Asia the following places:

a) Canton b) Hongkong c) Pekingd) Port Arthur e) Liatong Peninsula f) Koreag) Formosa h) Tokyo Bay i) Sakhalin Islandj) Manchuria

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ii) Mark on the map of Africa, the following places:a) French colonies Tunisia and Moroccob) Spanish colonies Rio de- oro and Spanish Saharac) Italian colonies Eritria and Italian Somalilandd) British colonies - Sierra Leone and Nigeriae) German colonies Togoland and Cameroonsf) Belgian colony Congog) Portuguese Colonies Angola and Mozambique

ACTIVITIES

1) Go to the following URL to see the photographs of the explorers.http://www.phschool.com/atschool/worldhistory/ModEra_3e/Student_Area/WHME_S_CHAP12_index.html-

2) Conduct a debate on the good and bad effects of imperialism.

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UNIT - II FIRST WUNIT - II FIRST WUNIT - II FIRST WUNIT - II FIRST WUNIT - II FIRST WORLD WARORLD WARORLD WARORLD WARORLD WAR

CHAPTER 3

THE FIRST WORLD WAR(1914 1918)

The war which began in 1914 and which was to last for four years andthree months, was in many ways entirely novel in history. Previous warssuch as the French revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, had involved asmany states and lasted longer. In every decade since 1815, there had been awar somewhere and thirteen separate wars had been fought in Europe alone.The World War I was the general conflict between the highly organizedstates of the twentieth century. It was the first war fought on a large scalewhich dislocated the international economy. The European nations whichhad grown up during the nineteenth century had collectively controlled mostof the world. The First World War was fought with determination anddesperation. It was fought on land, and sky, on sea and under the sea.

CAUSESThe great war of 1914, was a culmination of the developments that had

been going on for more than a generation. Like the other wars in history, theFirst World War had both inherent and immediate causes.

1. International AnarchyOne of the causes of the war was, the international anarchy. All major

countries depended on the secret diplomacy. No country bothered to followthe code of international law. Though this was in existence, there was noone to enforce it.

Each state had some territorial dispute or other with its neighbours.France was not reconciled to the loss of Alsace and Lorainne. As there wasno international body to settle their disputes, or to guide and control thecountries they were forced to resort to war.

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2. Armed CampsAfter Franco-Prussian war, the European countries were divided into

two warring camps. It became evident that in future, the wars would befought not by individual nations but by the groups of states. The strugglewas between the members of the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente nations.Triple Alliance countries were Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy andthe Triple Entente nations were France, England, and Russia. They wereopenly divided into two warring camps. Both the parties were committedto help the member of their groups. The system of secret alliances wasfollowed after the Franco Prussian war. The terms of their treaty were notrevealed. These secret alliances proved very harmful for internationaldiplomacy.

Before the accession of Kaiser William II, Bismarck, the Chancellor ofGermany had formed the Triple Alliance in 1882, among Germany, Austriaand Italy. This alliance was aimed against France and naturally France wasanxious to get allies. When the ambitions of Germany became clear throughthe dynamic programme of Kaiser William II, Britain allied herself withFrance, and formed the Entente Cordiale in 1904. This alliance was adiplomatic revolution. Britain, which had been at war with France forcenturies, now became her ally. It laid the foundation for Anglo-Frenchfriendship, in the years to follow. France and Russia had already formed theDual Alliance in 1895. In 1907, Britain joined the Dual Alliance and theEntente Cordiale, expanded into Triple Entente.3. Armament Race

The result of this competition was a tremendous increase in the size ofthe European armies. Both the groups began to pile up arms and armamentsto protect themselves. France made it compulsory for all its citizens to servein the army for two years. After sometime it was extended to three yearsand the other countries also did the same.4. Moroccan Problem

According to Entente Cordiale, France recognized the British occupationof Egypt. Britain recognized the French position in one part of Morocco,and the other part under Spanish control. Kaiser William II objected to Franceand Spain controlling Morocco. He visited Tangier, the Moroccon harbourand demanded that an international conference should settle the Moroccanproblem. France had to agree and an International conference took place at

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Algeciras in 1906, which decided in favour of the independence of Morocco,with freedom of commerce to all the nations.5. Agadir Crisis of 1911

France occupied Morocco with her troops on the plea of serious internaldisorder. This was not liked by Kaiser William II, who sent two warshipscalled Berlin and Panther to Agadir, a Moroccan port. A critical situationarose. England declared that if Germany attacked France, it would helpFrance. Germany withdrew from open confrontation and agreed to theestablishment of French protectorate over Morocco, on condition that othercountries were given freedom of trade. This defeat set Germany on the roadto increase her arms and armaments.

6. Balkan Problem

The Ottoman empire, ruled by the Turkish Sultan of Constantinople,extended over the Balkan Peninsula, consisting of Christian states likeGreece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Rumania. Turkey was the Sick-Man of Europe. Taking advantage of her weakness, these states had eitherbecome independent or autonomous in the 19th century. In their fight forfreedom, they were helped by Russia. In 1908, Austria supported byGermany, annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, which she had been asked toadminister by the Congress of Berlin of 1878. Since these two provinceswere peopled by slavs, Serbia wanted to get these provinces. Russia hadbeen defeated by Japan in the Russo-Japanese war in 1905 and was unableto help Serbia. Italy declared war on Turkey in 1911 and annexed Tripoli inNorth Africa. Bulgaria, Rumania, Greece, Serbia, and Montenegro declaredwar on Turkey in 1912, and won it. The First Balkan war ended with theTreaty of London. But in the distribution of the spoils of war, the Christianstates quarrelled among themselves. So Greece, Rumania, Serbiaand Montenegro declared war on Bulgaria. This is known as the SecondBalkan War. Bulgaria was defeated and Serbia was the greatest gainer.Bulgaria and Turkey looked to Germany for help in recovering some oftheir territories.

7. Immediate Cause

The immediate cause for the outbreak of the First World War was themurder of the Austrian crown prince Francis Ferdinand and his wife atSerajevo, the capital of Bosnia, on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian lad. SoAustria wanted to use this opportunity to crush Serbia. Austria sent an

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ultimatum to Serbia imposing many humiliating conditions on her. WhenSerbia refused to accept them, Austria declared war on it. Russia mobilisedher troops to support the cause of Serbia against Austria. Germany declaredwar on Russia. France by her Dual Alliance went to help Russia. So Germanydeclared war on France. The nations of Europe had agreed to preserve theneutrality of Belgium by the Treaty of London (1839). But Germany violatedthe treaty and mobilising her troops entered Belgium with a view to attackingFrance. So Britain declared war on Germany. Thus the First World Warstarted in 1914.

COURSE OF THE WAR

Italy though a member of the Triple alliance did not join with Germanyand Austria. On the contrary it joined the Allies in 1915. Germany and Austriawere called the CentralPowers. Bulgaria andTurkey joined theCentral Powers. On theiropposite side were theAllies consisting ofmembers of the TripleEntente, Belgium andSerbia. U.S.A. joined the Allies in the last stage of the War in 1917.

It was a global war which took place in several parts of the world. Forthe first time, air was used as a field of war. Air ships called Zeppelins andlater on aeroplanes were sent to raid Britain. Tanks, which were a Britishinvention were used in the last stage of the war. Trench warfare on land andsubmarine warfare on the sea were the other features of the war.

War on the Eastern FrontRussia invaded East Prussia with half a million men under the command

of Grand Duke Nicholas, but her forces were crushed by a German armyunder Von Hindenburg at Tannenburg. In the meantime Turkey had joinedthe Central Powers and Italy joined the Allies. Britain sent a powerful fleetto attack the Dardanelles, with a view to open up a path to Russia.

The Dardenelles Straits linked the Mediterranean Sea with the Sea ofMarmora. This not only gave ready access to the Turkish capitalConstantinople (Istanbul) and much of the Turkish Empires industrial

Fig. 3.1 Zeppelin

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powerhouse, but also provided a lane to the Black Sea. Moreover access tothe Sea of Marmora was bound to give Britain and France supply route totheir eastern ally, Russia. Therefore if Britain and France gained the Straitsthey could succeed in not only eliminating Turkey from the war, but also indrawing Greece and Bulgaria into the war against the Central powers. As itmight be expected the Straits were however heavily defended, chiefly bynatural geography. To the north they were protected by the GallipoliPeninsula; to the south by the shore of Ottoman Asia. In addition, fortresseswere well positioned on cliff-tops overlooking shipping lanes. But theDardanelles expedition was an utter failure.

On land a German army under Von Hindenburg, defeated a Russianarmy near Masurian lakes, invaded Poland and captured Warsaw. AnotherGerman army under Von Mackensen cleared the Carpathian region of theRussian armies. These defeats fuelled the fire of hatred against the Czaristregime and brought about the Russian Revolution of 1917. Russia kept outof the war and concluded the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germanysurrendering a number of territories on the Baltic to Germany.War on the Western Front

German forces overran the whole of Belgium and invaded France. Theyadvanced towards Paris, but on the banks of the River Marne, an AngloFrench army under Generals French and Joffre defeated the German army.The Battle of Marne was a turning point of the war. After this, there wasonly trench warfare for a long time on the Western Front

The year 1916 was marked by two operations on a very large scale onthe western front. The Germans attempted a great offensive at Verdun, thegateway of France. The losses on both sides were great but the Frenchmaintained their position with heroism. The second operation was the Anglo-French offensive on the Somme conducted on a huge scale. The fightingwas severe and the casualties were enormous. Though the Germans werenot entirely defeated, the pressure on Verdun was relieved and France couldrecover the lost ground.

In Africa, British and French forces overran Togoland and Cameroonand conquered German colonies in south west Africa.The War at Sea

From the outset British navy seized the command of the sea. TheGerman commerce was wiped out and a blockade was established. In 1916

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came the Battle of Jutland. The losses on both sides were heavy. But theadvantage gained was that the German fleet never ventured into NorthernSea again. The British supremacy on the sea was of immense help to theAllies. Besides protecting the shores of Great Britain, British Navy transportedand conveyed soldiers, arms and ammunitions, to the many fields of war.America Enters War (1917)

Germany started unrestricted submarine warfare against the British.Ships of all nationalities were ordered to be sunk, when they came near theBritish Isles. In 1915, Germany sunk a ship called Lusitania, a Britishtransport ship, which was carrying hundreds of American passengers in it.Totally 1200 passengers lost their lives. When America sent a strong protestto Germany, the German government ignored it. Besides Germany tried toinduce the Mexicans to attack their neighbouring states in America. Whenthis news reached Washington, Woodrow Wilson, the President of America,decided to enter the war on the side of the Allies. Moreover, many Americanships were sunk by German submarines. So on April 17, 1917, Americaentered the war.

Kaiser William II was frustrated with his defeats and ordered his armyto start a vigorous offensive against the Allies. The German army was usinglong range guns and poison gas. The Allies had an able commander GeneralFoch. He was able to give a crushing defeat to the German army in theSecond Battle of Marne. The German army was forced to retreat. OnNovember 7, 1918, a mutiny broke out at Kiel and Kaiser William IIabdicated. Two days after this the German government signed an armisticeand surrendered. General Allenby was able to defeat Turkey in Syria, Arabia,Palestine and Mesopotamia. The Turkish empire came to an end. The rulerof Bulgaria abdicated when a revolution broke out there. Bulgaria alsosurrendered. Austria Hungary also sued for peace.

In the middle of November, the First World War came to an end. GreatBritain, France and their allies came out victorious. But many countries hadlost men and material. There were untold sufferings for common people inall the countries due to war. In this atmosphere of loss and suffering, thedelegates of victorious powers met in Paris to make peace.

RESULTS OF THE WARThe First World War came to an end by the Paris Peace Conference of

1919. The main personalities of the conference were, Clemenceau of France,

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Lloyd George of Britain, Orlando of Italy and President Woodrow Wilsonof America. Separate treaties were concluded with all the defeated countries.

The treaty with Germany was called Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty ofGermaine was concluded with Austria, the Treaty of Traianon with Hungary,Treaty of Neuilly with Bulgaria and the Treaty of Severes with Turkey.President Woodrow Wilson put forward the terms and conditions in hisFourteen Points. Though they were not accepted by the other countries, theterms of the treaty were based upon these points. The provisions of thetreaty are :i) The covenant of the League of Nations was drawn up.ii) A huge war indemnity was imposed on Germany. Her army was reduced.iii) Germany surrendered Alsace and Lorainne to France.She had to give

up the Saar coal fields to France for a period of 15 years.iv) A new state of Poland was created with territories taken from Germany,

Austria and new Russia.v) New nations, Estonia, Lithuania, Lativia, and Finland were created.vi) Austria was greatly reduced in size. Historians comment that Austria

which was of football size was reduced to a small badminton size ball.Hungary was separated from Austria.

Fig. 3.2 Lloyd George Fig. 3.3 Clemenceau

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vii) A new republic called Czechslovakia was formed from territories takenfrom Austria and Hungary.

viii)Yugoslavia a new nation wasformed by the addition ofterritories to Serbia.

ix) Rumania was increased in size bythe addition of territories takenfrom Hungary, Russia andBulgaria.

x) Bulgaria and Turkey were reducedin size.

xi) The overseas possessions ofGermany were divided among thevictorious nations.

xii) Monarchy was abolished inGermany, Russia, Austria andTurkey.

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

The First World war brought untold misery to people. All the nationswanted a permanent world body to maintain peace in the world. The resultwas the establishment of the League of Nations, in 1920 with headquartersin Geneva in Switzerland. There were 42 members in the beginning.

Aims of the LeagueThe chief aim of the League was to promote international cooperation,

peace and security. The member nations should settle all the disputespeacefully. If any member nation commits aggression, the other membernations should cut off trade and financial relationship with that nation.

Organs of the LeagueThe League of Nations had an Assembly, a Council, a Secretariat, a

Court and an International Labour Organisation.Achievements of the League

The International Court successfully handled many cases. The disputebetween Sweden and Finland regarding the possession of Aaland islands

Fig. 3.4 Woodrow Wilson

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was settled peacefully. The League averted a war between Greece andBulgaria in 1925. It settled a border dispute between Columbia and Peruand Iraq and Turkey.Failure of the League

The League failed in its most important aim of preventing a secondwar. The most important reason for its failure was the refusal of the greatpowers to honour their pledges and obligations. Treaties were violated. WhenJapan invaded Manchuria in 1931, China complained to the League. Japanwithdrew from the League. Mussolini invaded Ethiopia and annexed it.The league did not take any steps to check it. Hitlers aggressive acts werealso not checked. The League was a helpless observer of all these acts,because there was no international army at its disposal. Inspite of these, theLeague tried its best to check the disputes by peaceful methods. Moreoverit served as a predecessor to the U.N.O.Causes for the Failure of the League1. The main cause for the failure of the League was that it was limited in

its effectiveness as many countries were not its members.2. Its economic sanctions could not achieve immediate results.3. The League did not intervene till the crucial stage was reached.4. All the members were not prepared to abide by the military sanctions

and covenants, if it was against their interests.5. United States of America, though proposed the setting up of the League,

was not a member.6. France regarded the Leagues policies negatively and disregarded them

if it endangered her relationship with other countries.7. Finally, there was no military force to enforce peace in warring countries.

Simply said, the League of Nations failed because the Big Powers failedher.

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EXERCISES

PART AI. Choose the correct answer and complete each statement:

1. The Triple Alliance was concluded between ________.a) France and England b) England and Russiac) Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy

2. Bismarck was the Chancellor of ________ .a) Germany b) Austria c) Italy

3. The First Balkan war ended in ________.a) 1920 b) 1913 c) 1912

4. Britain joined the Dual Alliance in ________.a) 1895 b) 1902 c) 1907

5. The victorious powers met in ________ for Peace talks.a) London b) Versailles c) Paris

6. Entente Cordiale was formed between ________ .a) England and France b) England and Russiac) France and Russia

7. German army under ________ crushed the Russian forces at Tannenburg.a) Grand Duke Nicholas b) Von Hindenburgc) Von Mackensen

8. Russia concluded the Treaty of ________ with Germany.a) Brest-Litovsk b) Severes c) Varsailles

9. The Dardennelles straits linked the Mediterranean Sea with ________ .a) Sea of Marmora b) Adriatic Sea c) Caspian Sea

10.The Treaty of ________ was concluded with Austria.a) Germaine b) Severes c) Neuilly

II. Answer the following questions each in one word or phrase:1. Give the duration of the First World War.2. Mention any two important battlefields of the First World War.3. On what did all major countries depend?4. Name the two warring camps in the First World War.5. Name the countries which formed the Triple Entente.6. Which were the two countries that formed the Dual Alliance in 1895?

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7. What is the name of the Airship sent to raid Britain?8. How was Turkey called?9. What was the capital of Bosnia?10.Who invented the tanks?11.What was the new feature of war on land?12.Which battle was the turning point of the First World War?13.Name the ship sunk by Germany.14.When was the League of Nations established?15.When did Japan invade Manchuria?

III. Match the Following:A) 1. Lloyd George Germany

2. Woodrow Wilson Italy3. Clemenceau England4. Orlando United States5. Kaiser William II France

B) 1. Treaty of Varsailles Hungary2. Treaty of Severes Austria3. Treaty of Germaine Bulgaria4. Treaty of Neuilly Turkey5. Treaty of Traianon Germany

PART BIV. Answer all the questions given under each caption:

1. Moroccan Problema) Who objected to France and Spain controlling Morocco?b) Where did the international conference take place?c) Name the warships sent by Germany.d) Where were the warships sent?e) Who declared that it would help France?

2. Balkan Problema) Which empire was ruled by the Turkish Sultan?b) How was Turkey known at that time?c) By whom was Austria asked to administer Bosnia and Herzegovina?d) By which treaty did the First Balkan war end?e) Which country was defeated in the Second Balkan war?

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3. First World Wara) Who were the Central Powers?b) Who joined the Central Powers later?c) What was used for the first time in the war?d) What were used in the last stages of the war?e) What were the other features of the war?

4. War on the Eastern Fronta) Where was the Russian forces under Grand Duke Nicholas defeated?b) Where did Britain send a big army to open up a path to Russia?c) How were the Straits protected in the North and South?d) Where did the Russian army suffer a defeat again?e) Name the two German generals.

5. War on the Western Fronta) Where was the German army defeated in France?b) Name the two generals who defeated the German army?c) Name the two great battle fields in which French succeeded.d) Name the two German colonies taken by the British and French forces

in Africae) Give the name of the battle fought in North Sea.

PART CV. Answer the following, each in not more than 2 pages:

1. Describe the causes and results of the First World War.2. Critically examine the role played by the League of Nations.

PART - DVI. Mark on the map of Europe the following important battlefields of the

First World war:a) Agadir b) Algiers c) Dardanellesd) Tannenburg e) Jutland f) Danzigg) Masurian Lake h) Italy i) Marne j) Tangier

ACTIVITIES

1. Go to the following URLs to see the photos of First World War.h t tp : / / f r eepages .mi l i t a ry. roo t sweb .com/~wor ldwarone /WWI/TheGeographyOfTheGreatWar/index.html#List%20of%20Figures, http://www.worldwar1.com/maproom.htm.

2. See the films A Farewel to Arms, and Bridge on the River Kwai.3. Prepare a chart showing the different organs of League of Nations.

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UNITUNITUNITUNITUNIT-III W-III W-III W-III W-III WORLD BETWEEN THE WARSORLD BETWEEN THE WARSORLD BETWEEN THE WARSORLD BETWEEN THE WARSORLD BETWEEN THE WARS

CHAPTER 4

(A) RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

The Russian Revolution was one of the most important events in modernworld history. Its impact was evident in both Europe and America. Althoughthe Revolution did not directly spread Communism, it did give various otherstruggling third world countries an enticing example to follow.

CAUSES OF THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTIONVarious causes that led to the Russian Revolution of 1917, are given

below.a) Nihilism, Anarchism and Marxism

Nihilism was a theory of revolutionpopular among Russian extremists until thefall of the Czarist government (1917);Nihilism stressed the need to destroyexisting economic and social institutions.Even though Nihilists were not withoutconstructive programmes, direct action, suchas assassination and arson, was their maincharacteristic. The assassination of CzarAlexander II was one of the results of suchterrorist activities.

Anarchism, is the theory that equalityand justice are to be sought through theabolition of the state. The main theme ofanarchist thought is the belief that society isnatural and that people are good but arecorrupted by artificial institutions.

Fig. 4.1 Karl Marx

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Marxism, is the economic and political philosophy started by Karl Marx.It is also known as scientific socialism. Marxism has had a profound impacton contemporary culture; modern communism is based on it.

b) Economic Causes

The economic causes were the main factors contributing to therevolution, as they resulted in poverty, misery and exploitation of the massesby the nobility. Russia was mainly a highly backward agricultural countrybefore the revolution. The royal family, the nobility and the clergy ownedmost of the agricultural land. In addition they had to use primitive tools,implements and methods of cultivation, which were not very productive.Further, the poor peasants became poorer as they had to pay huge sums ofrent and tributes to their landlords every year. This created great discontentamong the farmers who were ready to revolt against the Czarist government,in order to end this economic and social system.

In the industrial sphere too, Russia was backward and depended onlyon foreign capital. The workers and labourers had to endure miserableworking conditions. They received extremely low wages. It was considereda crime to form trade unions. Moreover, the government did not attempt toimprove these conditions. There was an imbalance in the social structure,owing to the above economic factors. As a result 70% of the Russianpopulation was illiterate. The social structure of Russia was completelydevoid of education, medical relief and public health.

c) Social Causes

The social causes of the Russian Revolution mainly started fromcenturies of oppression towards the lower classes by the Czarist regime.Serfdom was most often associated with the Middle Ages, yet it ccuratelydescribes the social situation in Russia under Nicholas. A small class ofnoble landowners controlled a vast number of peasants. In 1861, CzarAlexander II of Russia emancipated these peasants, not for moral reasons,but because it was preventing Russia from advancing socially. This newfoundfreedom was of limited use, however, since they now had no land towork. First World War only added to the chaos. In addition, because morefactory workers were needed, peasants moved out of the country and intothe cities, which soon became overpopulated, and living conditions rapidlygrew worse. Further, more food was needed for the soldiers, but the

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food supply grew scarce. By 1917, famine threatened many of the largercities.d) Political Causes

The Political aspect of the Russian Revolution is essentially thecombination or result of the Social and Economic problems created by thedictatorship of Czar Nicholas II. Since1904, Russias lower class workers hadfaced a dire economic situation. Most ofthem were working 11 hours a day withoutany health and safety provisions. Therewere numerous strikes and protests. Almostall of these were either ignored by Nicholasor broken up, often in a violent and deadlyfashion. Things took a critical turn forworse, however, when, in 1915, Nicholasdecided to take direct command of thearmy, leaving his incapable wife Alexandrain charge of the government. As thisdiscontent and utter hate of Nicholas grew,the State Duma (lower class of Russianparliament comprised of landowners,townspeople, industrial workers, andpeasants) issued a warning to Nicholas inNovember 1916 stating that disaster would overtake the country unless aconstitutional form of government was put in place. In typical fashion,Nicholas ignored them. As a result, Russias Czarist regime collapsed a fewmonths later during the February Revolution of 1917. A year later, the Czarand his family were executed.

The growing discontent among the masses manifested itself in allaspects of national life. The working class became highly receptive to Marxistideas infiltrating into Russia. In 1893, the Social Democratic Party wasfounded and in 1903, this party was split into two; the Bolsheviks (radicals)led by Nikolai Lenin and the Mensheviks (liberals) led by Martov. Whilethe former was revolutionary and supported by Stalin, the latter wasevolutionary and supported by Trotsky.

In the Russo-Japanese War of 1905, Russia, a giant state, received acrushing defeat at the hands of Japan, a very small Asian power. The people

Fig. 4.2 Czar Nicholas II

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realized that the Russian defeat was due to the lack of a well trained and awell-equipped army. Thus it becameessential to end the Czarist regime.

Czar Nicholas II of Russia was underthe influence of his Czarina Alexandra. Shein turn was under the sway of the wickedand notorious monk Rasputin, who claimedto have spiritual powers that could heal theyoung prince. The latter was suffering froman incurable disease. In order to pleaseRasputin, Czarina Alexandra used tointerfere in the day-to-day administration ofthe state. Thus the ministers and highofficials were appointed and dismissed onthe careless advice of Rasputin, causing greatdiscontent among the people. ThoughRasputin was killed by the nobles inDecember 1916, the Czarina continued toinfluence the affairs of the state till the Revolution of 1917.e) Immediate Cause

The social, economic, political and psychological conditions in Russiahad become so vulnerable that it only required a spark to cause the revolution.The First World War was responsible in setting the ball of revolution rollingin Russia. Acute shortage of ammunition, poor generalship, lack of factories,demoralized soldiers, a corrupt government and high treason at all ranks,created a crisis in the state. The entire national life of the state was paralyzed.The peasants and workers denounced the World war and the Czaristgovernment.

FEBRUARY REVOLUTION (1917)The February Revolution came about almost spontaneously when people

of Petrograd protested against the czarist regime because of food shortagesin the city.

There was also great dissatisfaction with Russias continuedinvolvement in the First World War. As the protests grew, various politicalreformists (both liberal and radical left) started to rebel against thegovernment together. In early February the protests turned violent as large

Fig. 4.3 Rasputin

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numbers of city residents rioted and clashed with police and soldiers. Whenthe bulk of the soldiers garrisoned in the Russian capital Petrograd joinedthe protests, they turned into a revolution ultimately leading to the abdicationof Czar Nicholas II in a nearly bloodless transition of power.

A new Provisional Government (Duma) was formed. Elections werebeing planned. Between February and October, revolutionists attemptedfurther change, working through the Petrograd Soviet or more directly. InJuly, the Petrograd Bolsheviks, in combination with the Petrograd anarchists,started a civil revolt. This revolt failed.

OCTOBER REVOLUTION (1917)The October Revolution was led by Lenin and was based upon the

ideas of Karl Marx. It marked the beginning of the spread of communism inthe twentieth century. It came about as the result of deliberate planning andcoordinated activity. On November 7, 1917,Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin led hisleftist revolutionaries in a nearly bloodlessrevolt against the ineffective ProvisionalGovernment (Russia was still using theJulian calendar at the time, so periodreferences show an October 25 date). TheOctober Revolution ended the revolutioninstigated in February, replacing Russiasshort-lived provisional government. TheSoviet Union was established in December1922 as the union of the Russian, Ukrainian,Belarusian, and Transcaucasian Republicsruled by Bolshevik parties under theleadership of Lenin. After the death of Lenin,there was a power struggle between LeonTrotsky and Stalin. Leon Trotsky was asupporter of democratic principles whereas Stalin was for dictatorship. Stalingained control of the USSR. Trotsky and his supporters, as well as a numberof other democratically-minded communists, were persecuted and eventuallyimprisoned or killed by Stalin.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTIONThe Russian Revolution of 1917 was an event of international

Fig. 4.4 Lenin

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significance. It made an irresistible appeal to the proletarians. Therefore itwas claimed that The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains.They have a world to win. Working men of all countries, unite! The RussianRevolution thus invited the labourers all over the world to unite against thecapitalist class. Thus a war was declared between totalitarian dictatorshipand democratic socialism, between Marxism and capitalism.

(B) FASCISM AND NAZISM

FASCIST RULE IN ITALYAfter the First World War, discontent and disorder prevailed in Italy.

She was on the side of Central Powers first. But later with the hope ofgaining more territories she joined theAllies. There was confusion, political andsocial unrest and economic distress in thecountry. People accused the government fortheir sufferings. The prices of goods roseand cost of living increased. As a resultsocialism gained popularity. Labour strikesoccurred in industries. This confusion andunrest paved the way for Benito Mussolinito capture power.Benito Mussolini

Mussolini was born in 1883 to parentsof humble means. His father was ablacksmith and mother a teacher. Duringthe First World War he served as a soldierin the Italian army. After the war hegathered a band of young Italians andstarted the National Fascist Party in 1919.Since they wore black uniform they were called Black Shirts. Mussolinidisciplined them with implicit obedience. Believe, Obey and Fight weretheir watch words. Though the Fascist party grew, he was not able to securea majority in elections. So he marched to Rome on October 30, 1922 and

Fig. 4.5 Benito Mussolini

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forced King Victor Emmanuel III to hand over the government to him. Thisis called March on Rome, which established Fascist dictatorship over Italyunder Mussolini. However Victor Emmanuel III continued to be thepowerless king of Italy.Fascism

Fascism had three aims; exaltation of the state, protection of privateproperty, and spirited foreign policy. It was started mainly as an antiCommunist movement but later it emerged as a reaction against liberalismand democracy. Fascism set up a totalitarian state. Fascist motto wasEverything within the state, nothing against the state, nothing outside thestate. Mussolini wanted to revive the ancient glories of Roman empire. Hewanted to make the Mediterranean Sea, an Italian lake, with Italian territorieson Northern and Eastern parts of Africa. Fascism believed in one party ruleand all the other parties were banned, and press censored. Public libertywas curtailed brutally. Mussolinis secret police was known as Ovra and itcreated terror among the people. Mussolini was called Duce by his followers.Achievements

Fascism saved Italy from anarchy due to the disorder and demoralizationinto which it had fallen after the First World War. Parliament was no longerconstituted on a territorial basis. Free public elections were stopped andonly the party candidates were elected by the Fascist party. One ofMussolinis achievements was the settlement of the long standing disputebetween Papacy and Italian government. By the Lateran Treaty of 1929, thePapacy recognized Victor Emmanuel III as king with Rome as capital. Inturn, Mussolini recognized the sovereignty of Pope in the Vatican City. Thushe got the support of the church.

Mussolini organized the nation on a strong economic basis. Industriesflourished under the fostering care of the state. He drained marshes andreclaimed a lot of waste lands for cultivation. Use of modern machines andscientific methods of cultivation, increased agricultural production. Heundertook many works of public utility like building of hydro-electric plantsand electrification of railways. He eradicted illiteracy and made Italy strongand financially prosperous within three years.

After 1930, he followed an aggressive policy. He invaded Abyssinia.He formed the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis. He attacked Albania. In the SecondWorld War, he captured many places by joining hands with Hitler. But after

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1943, the fortunes of war turned away from the Axis powers. The Italianforces were beaten back from their colonies in Africa. The Allies invadedItaly and Sicily. Mussolini fell from power and tried to escape from Italy.But he was shot dead by an Italian mob in 1945.

NAZI RULE IN GERMANYThe First World War brought ruin and disaster to Germany. King

William II abdicated the throne in 1918. A republican government wasestablished at Weimar near Berlin. Since the people were not ready for therepublican idea, it became an easy prey forthe agitators and opportunists. Due to itshuge war indemnity, Germany waseconomically ruined. It was humiliated andits military strength was reduced. The pricesrose up and unemployment increased. TheGerman currency Mark depreciated in value.The Great Economic Depression of1929-30 also shattered her economy. TheGermans were looking for someone to savethem and restore their pride. Adolf Hitlercame in the form of a saviour.Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler was the son of a pettycustoms official. In the First World War heserved as a soldier and later became apolitician. He was an excellent orator whocan sway the peoples emotions with his fiery speeches. He organized theNational Socialists Party or the Nazi Party. He tried to capture power in1923, but was caught and imprisoned for 5 years. He wrote a bookcalled Mein Kampf (My struggle) in the prison which became the Bible forNazis.Nazism

Hitler kept Swastika as his partys emblem and his followers wereknown as Brown Shirts. By 1933, his party became the single largest partyin German Reichstag (Parliament). He became Chancellor. After the deathof President Hindenburg, in 1934, he made himself the President andChancellor of Germany. He abolished the Weimar Republic and proclaimed

Fig. 4.6 Adolf Hitler

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the Third Reich (Third empire) with himself as dictator. He was calledFuhrer. (Leader)

Nazis glorified the state. The greatest happiness of the people in theNazi State lay in obeying the state blindly and working for its glory. Theindividual had no rights against the state. Hitler boasted of the superiorityof the Nordic race which accounted for the rise of all cultures in the past.He wanted to maintain the purity of the race and so prohibited marriagewith other races whom he thought inferior. He was especially against theJews. So he persecuted them. Nazism was anti spiritual. He declared, onepeople, one state, one leader. He felt that the place of women was in thekitchen and they should be treated as child bearing machines. He also bannedall the other political parties. His secret police, Gestapo was feared by all.He believed in terrorism and bloodshed.Achievements

He created a strong unified and highly despotic state. He outlawed strikes.He replaced the trade unions with Labour Front. He took steps to see that thechildren were trained in Nazi cult. His aggressive policy brought danger anddestruction to his country and sufferings to Jews. He rearmed Germany andmarched into Rhineland. He annexed Austria in 1938 and committedaggression against Czechoslovakia. The Sudetanland affair was preventedfrom blowing up into war by Neville Chamberlain, the British Prime Minister.In the Second World War, Hitler gained many victories in the first two years.His invasion of Russia started his downfall. German forces were defeated inall the battles after 1943. In 1945, Allied forces invaded Germany andconquered Berlin. Hitler committed suicide in his bunker (an undergroundbomb proof shelter) in 1945. After his death Nazism fizzled out.

(C) THE GREAT ECONOMIC DEPRESSION

The United States in 1919 seemed to assume the mantle of leadership.But after the end of the war, United States chose to withdraw from theworld affairs. Herbert Hoover became the President of the United States inMarch 1929. He believed in private enterprises only. It was during his timethat the great economic depression happened.

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Stock MarketAmerica in those days was a land of crazes and the stock market was

the greatest craze of all. People became rich quickly by having shares in bigindustrial combines. Many people became shareholders in big businesses,not only for the dividends but also for the resale value and speculation.People started buying shares indiscriminately, without even knowing whatit was. Stock market became a big gambling game involving a major sectionof the population. Six months after Hoover became President, stock marketrecorded highest prices. Then suddenly the prices started to fall. Peoplethought that as usual prices will rise again. But it did not happen. In October1929 the stock market crashed. There were many people selling while noone was there to buy. So the market crashed and many people were ruined,and became paupers overnight.

Collapse of the Stock MarketThe immediate cause of this collapse was that people were speculating

on borrowed money. They got money by selling when price rose. But if theprice fell they lost money. This kind of indiscriminate selling without buyersmade many people hold valueless stocks. Another cause was that, Americaoverproduced goods. Due to falling prices, employers had to cut down theirproduction. Less production means, they had to retrench extra workers.Unemployed people had no income to buy anything. So again supply wasmore than demand. Thus this became a vicious circle. The Americangovernment imposed heavy duties on imported goods. This resulted inAmerican goods facing heavy duties in their exports to other countries. Soexports declined. Domestic market was not able to absorb the excess goods.Many industries had heavy debts. Many companies went bankrupt. Therewas huge unemployment. By 1933, nearly fourteen million people wereunemployed. Production declined in many American factories.

Remedial MeasuresPeople blamed the government for this situation. Hoover and other

Americans thought America would soon recover from this. Hoover set upthe Reconstruction Finance Corporation in 1932 to lend money to banks,industries and rail roads. But the public lost faith in Hoover. In thePresidential elections in 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt or FDR as he wascalled, became the President. In his election manifesto he said, I pledgeyou, I pledge myself to a New Deal for the Americans. He assumed office

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on March 4, 1933. He consulted a panel of lawyers, economists, and collegeprofessors and proposed many reliefmeasures. One of them was the famousTennessee Valley Authority. The Congresswas asked to create the National IndustrialRecovery Administration.

New DealThe New Deal legislation was of two

types. The first was to relieve those whosuffered from depression. The other was toplace American economy on its legs.

The Tennessee Valley Authority startedin 1933, was a significant achievement ofFDR. It covered 40,000 sq. miles. Sevenstates were given the opportunity to buildand operate dams in the valley, generate andsell electric power, bring lands undercultivation, make the river navigable, andimprove the social and economic condition of the people.

FDRs recovery measures were geared towards building up the internaleconomy. The Emergency Banking Act was passed. The ReconstructionFinance Corporation advanced funds to affected banks. The Treasury wasgiven powers to unearth hoarded money and prevent hoarding. The SecurityExchange Act of 1934 issued licences to Stock Exchanges and they have tocooperate with the Federal Reserve Board.

On the labour and industrial fronts, the National Industrial RecoveryAct was passed. The act permitted businessmen to fix prices and productionquotas. The workers were paid fair wages. The congress passed theAgricultural Adjustment Act which enabled the agriculturists to cut downtheir production and enhance the prices.

Critical Evaluation of New DealThe New Deal was not entirely a success. Some programmes failed.

Some were only partially successful. But in the early days it saved jobs, thefarms, houses and lives of countless Americans. The Tennessee Valleytransformed a vast region to agriculture and prosperous industries.

Fig. 4.7 Roosevelt

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The greatest achievement of FDR was in changing the outlook ofAmericans. The ideas like collective bargaining between the employer andworkers, regulation of stock exchange and restriction of hours of work areall accepted as part of American way of life. The New Deal has becomesynonymous with reform throughout the world. By 1940 America hadrecovered her economy.

EXERCISES

(A) RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

PART AI. Choose the Correct Answer and complete each statement:

1. Karl Marx started the philosophy known as ________.a) Nihilism b) Anarchism c) Marxism

2. The assassination of Czar Alexander II was by the terrorist activities of ____a) Nihilists b) Anarchists c) Marxists

3. Czar ________ emancipated the peasants.a) Alexander II b) Alexander III c) Nicholas II

4. The Social Democratic Party was founded in ________.a) 1873 b) 1883 c) 1893

5. Rasputin influenced the Czar ________.a) Alexander II b) Nicholas I c) Nicholas II

II. Answer the following each in a word or phrase:1. Give the other term for Marxism.2. Mention the two branches of the Social Democratic Party.3. Who led the Mensheviks?4. When did the Russo Japanese war take place?5. Give the name of the Czarina who was influenced by Rasputin.

III. Match the Following:1. Bolsheviks Rasputin2. Mensheviks Stalin3. Revolutionary Trotsky4. Evolutionary Lenin5. Russian monk Martov

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PART - BIV. Answer all the questions given under each caption:

1. Nihilisma) What was Nihilism?b) What did Nihilism stress?c) What was the main characteristic of the Nihilists?d) Give the main theme of the anarchists.e) What is the other name of Marxism?

2. Economic Causes of Russian Revolutiona) Why were the economic causes considered as the main factors

contributing to the revolution?b) What type of country, Russia was, before the revolution?c) Who owned most of the agricultural land?d) Why did the poor peasants become poorer?e) What was considered a crime to form?

3. Political Causes of Russian Revolutiona) Who created the social and economic problems in Russia?b) When and by whom was a dire economic situation faced?c) When did Nicholas decide to take direct command of the army?d) What happened to the Czar and his family?e) Whose ideas infiltrated into Russia?

4. February Revolution (1917)a) Who protested against the Czarist regime and why?b) What situation did lead to a bloodless transition of power?c) What was formed after the transition of power?d) Who started a civil revolt?e) What was the result of this revolt?

5. October Revolution (1917)a) Who led the October revolution?b) On whose ideas was the October revolution based?c) What was ended by the October revolution?d) What was established?e) Who gained control of USSR?

PART CV. Answer each of the Following in not more than 2 pages:

1. What were the causes of the Russian revolution?2. Give an account of the February and October revolutions.

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ACTIVITY

1. Read Tolstoys War and Peace to understand Russian Environment.

(B) FASCISM AND NAZISM

PART AI. Choose the Correct Answer and complete each statement:

1. Mussolini marched to Rome on ________, 1922.a) September 30 b) October 30 c) October 13

2. Mussolini was shot dead by ________.a) an Italian mob b) Italian army c) Allies army

3. By ________ Hitlers party became the single largest party.a) 1923 b) 1933 c) 1943

4. Hitler annexed ________in 1938.a) Austria b) Albania c) Abyssinia

5. Hitler felt that the place of ________ was in the kitchen.a) men b) women c) jews

II. Answer the following each in a word or phrase:1. What was the name given to Mussolinis party members?2. Who was the powerless king of Italy, who handed over the power to

Mussolini?3. How was Mussolini called by his followers?4. By which treaty did Papacy recognize Victor Emmanuel as king?5. What was the emblem of the Nazi party?6. Which book became the Bible of the Nazis?7. How was Hitler called by his followers?8. Who prevented the Sudentenland affair from blowing up into war?

III. Match the following:1. Adolf Hitler Bible of the Nazis2. Benito Mussolini Nazi symbol3. Ovra Fuhrer4. Swastika Duce5. Mein Kamph Fascist secret police

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PART BIV. Answer all the questions given under each caption:

1. Benito Mussolinia) When was Mussolini born?b) Who were his parents?c) What did Mussolini do after the First world War?d) Give the watchwords of Mussolini.e) Explain the term March on Rome.

2. Fascisma) State the three aims of Fascism.b) Why was it started?c) How did it emerge later?d) Give the Fascist motto.e) What did Mussolini want to revive?

3. Achievements of Fascisma) From what kind of situation was Italy saved by Fascism?b) What change was brought in the field of elections?c) How did Mussolini get the support of the church?d) What changes were brought in the economy of Italy?e) What happened to Mussolini, finally?

4. Adolf Hitlera) Who was Hitler?b) What type of person was Hitler?c) What party was organized by him?d) What did he do in 1923?e) Name the book written by Hitler.

5. Nazisma) What was the progress made by the Nazis in 1933?b) When did Hitler become the Chancellor of Germany?c) What did he abolish?d) What did he proclaim?e) How was he called by his followers?

6. Achievements of Nazisma) What did Hitler create?b) What did he replace?c) What were the aggressive acts committed by him?d) Which invasion started his downfall?e) What was his end?

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PART CV. Answer the following each in not more than 2 pages:

1. Write about Mussolini and his party.2. Give an account of Hitler and Nazi party.

ACTIVITIES

1. Read the books, A Diary of Anne Frank, Exodus by Leon Uris, to knowabout the situation before and during Second World War.

2. To see the movie, Schindlers List.3. Conduct a debate on similarities and differences between Fscism, Nazism and

Communism.4. Visit the following URL to know more about these parties.

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/modsbook.html-world

(C) GREAT ECONOMIC DEPRESSION

PART AI. Choose the correct answer and complete each statement:

1. President Roosevelt assumed office on ________ 1933.a) January 3 b) March 3 c) March 23

2. Tennessee Valley Authority covered ________ sq. miles.a) 40,000 b) 400,000 c) 14,000

3. The Security Exchange Act was passed in ________ .a) 1924 b) 1934 c) 1943

4. In ________ 1929, the share market crashed.a) September b) October c) November

5. The New Deal Policy was introduced by President ________ .a) Hoover b) Jefferson c) Roosevelt

II. Answer the following each in a word or phrase:1. Who was the President of USA, when the stock market crashed?2. What was the significant achievement of FDR?3. Which organization advanced funds to affected banks?4. What was the greatest craze of the Americans?5. Which Act issued licenses to Stock Exchange?6. Name the act passed on the industrial front?

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III. Match the Following:1. Herbert Hoover 19332. Roosevelt 19343. Reconstruction Finance Corporation 19404. The Security Exchange Act 19295. Recovery of America 1932

PART BIV. Answer all the questions given under each caption:

1. Stock Marketa) What was the greatest craze in America?b) How did people become rich quickly?c) Why did the people buy shares?d) What happened when Hoover became President?e) How were people affected due to the crash of the stock market?

2. FDRa) Expand FDR.b) What was his election manifesto?c) Whom did he consult after becoming President?d) Mention one of his famous relief measures.e) What was the congress asked to create?

3. New Deala) Mention the two types of New Deal Legislation.b) Explain the Tennessee Valley Authority measure.c) How did Roosevelt build up the internal economy?d) What steps were taken by him on the labour and industrial fronts?e) What were the achievements of New Deal in the earlier days?

PART CV. Answer the Following in not more than 2 pages:

1. Give a critical analysis of the remedial measures taken by PresidentRoosevelt in America?

ACTIVITY

1. Visit the following URL to see the photos of American people duringdepression. http://www.indianchild.com/the_great_depression.htm.

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UNIT - IV SECOND WUNIT - IV SECOND WUNIT - IV SECOND WUNIT - IV SECOND WUNIT - IV SECOND WORLD WARORLD WARORLD WARORLD WARORLD WAR

CHAPTER 5

THE SECOND WORLD WAR (1939 1945)

The First World War brought death and destruction on a large scale.The people of the world realized the futility of war and made every effort toavoid another global war. The Treaty of Versailles signed at the end of theFirst World War itself contained the seeds of the Second world War. Withina span of twenty years the Second World War broke out engulfing morecountries and bringing about more destruction than the first war.

CAUSES FOR THE SECOND WORLD WARa) The Treaty of Versailles

The unjust nature of the Treaty of Versailles dissatisfied Germany. Shewas deprived of her colonies. Her army was reduced. She was asked to paya huge war indemnity, which was impossible for her to pay. She was deprivedof her coal and steel resources. She was cut into two parts by theestablishment of the Polish Corridor. Her navy was completely destroyed.Germany was humiliated by this treaty and she was waiting for anopportunity to show her strength.

b) Failure of the League of NationsThe League of Nations was formed to maintain peace in the world.